Teen sensation Tony McMahon today committed his long-term future to Boro by signing a new deal that keeps him on Teesside until 2008.

The gifted right-back has been a sensation since making his first team debut against Manchester United at Old Trafford, back in October.

The 18-year-old, from Evenwood, near Bishop Auckland, would have been out of contract in the summer and has been attracting interest from the Premiership elite, so Steve McClaren will be delighted to put an end to the uncertainty.

Speaking of his joy at putting pen to paper on a new contract, McMahon said: "I'm over the moon to have signed. I stressed from the start that I never wanted to leave Middlesbrough.

"I'm a local lad and I'm fulfilling a dream I've had since I joined the club - to be playing for the first team.

"I'm glad the contract is done and out of the way so that I can concentrate on my football.

"Now I can get my head down and continue to work hard."

Manager Steve McClaren added: "This is great news for the club and good news for Tony.

"He has made huge strides forward this season and has never looked out of place in the first team. There's still plenty of room for improvement, of course, but he can have a big future if he continues to work hard."

* BORO have confirmed that Mark Schwarzer has now signed the three-year extension he agreed recently.